Working for free doesn't sound appealing or realistic at all. But for many of us college kids sending out crisp resumes and fighting for highly competitive internships is crucial for the post-graduation job hunt, a.k.a. the "real world." In the long run, on-the-job experience is more lucrative than a bi-weekly paycheck (and hey, some internships do pay).
The Marquette Tribune reported on Tuesday that internships involve more then making mindless copies and fetching coffee. Thank God. I think my response to "hey you, grab me a cup of coffee" would be one of walking out the door.
I've interned for a U.S. Senator and at two magazines. And guess what? I never just did busy-work. I was given important assignments and treated as though I was a degree-carrying member of the company, not the company slave. I even got my own little cubical.
College students are dedicated, motivated, hard working, and intelligent individuals with a lot to offer a company — and employers know that.
Companies also realize that internship experience is learning-orientated. You have a supervisor you can go to for advice, help and hopefully a future reference. It's normal and acceptable to slightly stumble along the way. That's essential to do now, not when your bill-paying job is on the line.
We all know the benefits of an internship. It looks great on a resume and gives you an edge in nabbing an entry-level job. But there is so much more. You are put in new situations. You learn how to think better on your feet and improve your communication skills.
Any reservations I ever had about making phone calls, interviewing people, and taking a more aggressive attitude in my career are gone. An internship forces you into unfamiliar areas, and your confidence grows as a result.
When I'm at my current internship, the stress of college life melts away. I've reached that point where I feel ready to live the nine-to-five lifestyle. The "real-world" is way less intimidating when you've already had a taste of it. The classroom is ideal for learning the basics, but living with your head buried in a multi-hundred page book doesn't prep you for the daily occurrences of a business.
We can try to plan out our future, but luck and fate will step in. Who knows what will happen? Internship networking is essential for making connections and expanding future opportunities.
Loans may be piling up, stress may be creeping in from all angles, but taking the time to give my all in internships is what will get me ahead when the cap and gown moment in May rolls around.
This viewpoint was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 29, 2005.
